Best Melbourne Cup and Spring Racing Events

Apart from being there there at the track, are a number of compelling Melbourne Cup and Spring Racing events on around town. Here are some favourites (excuse the pun) -

Grand Hotel Richmond - Melbourne Cup Day

We think these guys do some of the best events in Melbourne!

Melbourne’s most fashionable and fun Cup Day event is back at 333 Burnley St Richmond, so frock up and rock up to the Grandest celebration of the year!

Complimentary signature Crystal Head Vodka and Amaro Montenegro cocktails on the red carpet at 11am, with sweeps and DJs all day.

The Grand’s famous “Fashions Off the Field Parade” is on again for 2016. Prizes include VIP Virgin Australia Fashion festival experiences, Magnums of Duval Leroy Champagne, stunning dresses and dinners to die for.

Featured for the last three years on Channel 9 as the place to watch the big race, celebrating at The Grand’s own Birdcage is a sure bet.

Strictly door list only so, get your most stylish friends together and make this one a cup day to remember!

The Deck at Circa will host the exclusive ‘Winners’ Circle’ Spring Racing after parties on Derby, Cup and Oaks nights to celebrate this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival. The parties will be open to VIP guests, race day attendees and the general public. The contemporary venue is perfect for race goers to continue their daytime festivities into the night, offering an open space for guests to relax after a long day at the track.

Premium beverage offerings by major sponsor Moët & Chandon plus Dom Perignon, Belvedere, Aperol and more will confirm The Deck at Circa as the ultimate Spring Racing after party destination. Guests will have unbridled access to the striking ‘Aperol Spritz Bar’, serving up this summer’s must drink beverage, as well as the decadent ‘Moët & Chandon Gold Lounge’ plus flowing Espresso Martinis.

Well known local DJs including DJ Prequel, CeeCee Babcock, Edd Fisher and friends will set the tone for the after parties and tempting post-race food offerings will meet all guests needs to continue their carnival experience all while playing in the multiple ‘Mr. Boothy’ photo booths available each night. “We look forward to hosting the Winner’s Circle Derby, Cup and Oaks Day after parties which will showcase The Deck at Circa at it’s very best.

Over the three evenings, ‘The ‘Winners’ Circle’ after parties on The Deck at Circa will play host to 900 high profile and influential celebrities, key industry identities and the general public per night with an unforgettable experience, making them the most coveted events of the 2016 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The Deck at Circa is located at 2 Acland Street, St Kilda After Parties will commence from 5pm on Derby, Cup and Oaks nights

So we've covered the day itself, the after parties, and now some fashion/beauty workshops...

To celebrate the spring racing season, Eastland is hostinga series of inspired activations that bring this season’s fashion and beauty trends to life.

From Wednesday 12 October to Sunday 30 October, Eastland is taking a unique approach to spring racing style to present “Ultra Violet”, a series of modern architectural pods peppered throughout Central Mall, each hosting a curated collection of looks perfect for the trackside.

Inspired by futuristic scenes and bathed in ultra violet light and dark spring floral, the installation will be rotated each week and curated by one of Eastland’s stylists.

From Thursday 13 October to Sunday 30 October, guests at Eastland will also be treated to a number of workshops and beauty bars, including the chance to create a botanical headpiece led by florist Cecilia Fox.

“The fresh floral head piece for race days has been a strong trend for a few years now. This season we are seeing a definite lean away from the prettier more delicate flowers to stronger more robust forms and blooms ”, Fox says. “Spring racing at Eastland this year will deliver an exceptional experience toour guests,” said Steve Edgerton, General Manager Eastland.

“Through our collaboration with leading stylists, milliners and illustrators, our “Ultra Violet” installation and series of activations offers world-class shopping within one destination,” Edgerton says.